Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/81685
ST AR A T TR A C TION S 44 MARGARET LAURENCE HOME (Provincial Heritage Site) The childhood home of the beloved Manitoba author and a tribute to the woman and her work. A wide variety of Laurence's belongings including her doctoral robes and hoods, typewriter, honourary degrees and some of the house's original furniture grace the place. The gift shop features her work. Open from May to September and the rest of the year by appointment. Tours welcome. Admission charged. location: 312 First Ave. N, Neepawa p: 204-476-3612, 204-476-5622 w: www.margaretlaurencehome.ca b OUTDOOR ART GALLERY This gallery features over 20 giant outdoor murals on various buildings that depict scenes of the local heritage, the Boundary Commission Trail, scenes of the first locomotive in Boissevain, the Willis Family Farm and the local agriculture. location: Boissevain w: www.boissevain.ca b RIVERBANK DISCOVERY CENTRE Home to the Brandon & Region Tourism Centre, Brandon First and Ducks Unlimited Canada offices. The Centre provides tourism information on the area, Canada and the U.S., souvenirs and interpretive information on the natural beauty of the area. It serves as a starting point for the extensive Assiniboine Riverbank Trail system. The trails run 17 km/10.5 mi along the Assiniboine River, including a network of parks and pathways linked to the Red Willow pedestrian bridge. The trail system ranges from natural river bottom forest to paved lit walkways, linking many sports venues to downtown. Open year-round. location: 545 Conservation Dr., Brandon p: 204-729-2141 toll free: 1-888-799-1111 e: info@riverbank.mb.ca w: www.riverbank.mb.ca b MARGARET LAURENCE HOME (PHS) SPRUCE WOODS PROVINCIAL PARK The park contains the desert-like area known as the Spirit Sands, a 5 km2 tract of open blowing sand dunes that tower 30 metres above the surrounding prairie. Spruce Woods and its desert is home to the northern prairie skink (Manitoba' s only lizard), western hognose snake and two species of cacti; all are unique in Manitoba. Experience Spirit Sands and Devil's Punch Bowl (an eerie pond formed by the action of underground streams) by hiking along self-guided trails or by horse-drawn covered wagon rides. Explore rolling hills of native prairie, majestic white spruce, lush deciduous forests and mysterious blue-green ponds as you wander along the many interpretive and hiking trails. Equestrian and mountain bike enthusiasts can explore the wilds of Spruce Woods by following the many back-country trails. Spruce Woods has its own equestrian campground and can be booked by calling 204-827-2654. The park has a concession, store, gift shop operated by Friends of Spruce Woods, modern campgrounds, yurts, showers, laundromat, outdoor games area, beach, snowmobile trails, cross-country skiing, toboggan hill. The visitors service centre has a wide range of interpretive programs including an amphitheatre, campfire talks, guided hikes, children's events, interpretive display building and extensive winter programs. location: off Hwy. 5 south of Hwy. 1 p: 204-827-8850 (mid-May to early September), 204-834-8800 (September to mid-May) b